Device for interpreting punched cards



' May 4, 1937. G, TA SCHEK 2,079,429

DEVICE FOR INTERPRETING PUNCHED CARDS Filed Dec. 5, 1950 F IGJ.

2 Sheets-Sheet l 2:; INVZNTOR m/xy ATTORNEY May 4, 1937. G, TAU HEK 2,079,429

DEVICE FOR INTERPRETING PUNCHED CARDS Filed Dec. 5, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3.

INVENTOR M W ATTORNEY Patented May 4, 193'? UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DEVICE son INTERPRETING PUNCHED CARDS Application December 5, 1930, Serial No. 500,253

In Germany 12 Claims.

My invention relates to machines for calculatively, interpreting the values represented by the holes of punched cards, and in particular, has reference to a mechanism to be used in con- 3 junction with such machines and permitting the use, without altering the counting mechanisms, of the machines for executing higher calculating operations, such as multiplication, in contradistinction to the common uses of such machines, which ordinarily consists in tabulating the statistics represented by holes in the punched cards and simultaneously adding, or in some cases subtracting, the numeral values obtained.

It is immaterial, so far as the employment of the device forming the subject-matter of my invention is concerned, whether the cards represent the digits in such a manner, that the number of the holes forming a vertical column corresponds in value to the numeral value of the The practical value of my invention will be clear when it is considered that in almost all book-keeping and calculating operations under control of holes punched in cards, items to be calculated are frequently involved, which hitherto could not be carried out by the usual calculating mechanisms, but only by mental cal-' culation or with the aid of key or slide-set calculating machines; Such calculating operations quantities and prices of merchandise the product of which gives the total cost to be found, or of work hours and wage per hour, or of the rent for a house multiplied by the time unit, etc.

This application is a continuation in part of my copending application Serial No. 207,462 filed July 21, 1927.

In the accompanying drawings of which Fig. l is a perspective view of the complete machine, Fig. 2 a view inside elevation of the sensing mechanism of my prior Patent No. 1,617,088,

dated February 8, 1927, and Fig., 3 is a view illustrating a unit of the counting mechanism fully disclosed in said patent. I have illustrated by way of example one embodiment 'of' the machine forming the subject-matter of myinvention, in which it is assumed that the drive for the counting mechanism is effected by electromagnets, and that eachof the digits of a number'is represented upon a card by a, number of,

digit represented, or the value of the digit is are necessary where the cards contain entries of August 2, 1926 tity of merchandise, and by the number 3167 the units price, from which entries the product is y to be found by multiplication. Theoretically, it would be possible to obtain in the counting mechanisms this amount, that is the product of these two numbers by feeling 2485 times the number 316'7. In practice, however, it is not practical to proceed in this manner. In accordance with my invention, I am enabled, through the provision of a special construction, to reduce the required number of feeling operations to the total of the digits of the multiplier, that is, in the present example, to the total of the digits 2+4+8+5=19. A reduced number of feeling operations is thus required and which maybe carried out without difllculty at the ordinary working speed of the tabulating machine, and which further, saves considerable time over the calculations previously carried out with the aid of other calculating machines or by mental calculation.

The punched card I is positioned on an electrically conductive surface 2 beneath a feeling mechanism. The drive, at the same time is coupled with the groups of feelers 3 and 4, as described hereinafter, so that these groups are set into reciprocation by the bars 5 over the card forwardly and rearwardly, The feeler group I is adapted to sense the multiplier, while the feeler group 4 is adapted to sense the multiplicand. The feelers of group 3 are connected in inverse order with related pole pins 6, while the feelers of group 4 are connected with a related set of pins 6 in the same denominational order. The pole. pins 6 co-operating with the feeler group 3 have related thereto one counter-pin 'l, which is insulatedly fixed on a slide 8, the arrangement being such as to cause the counter-pin l to successivelyi establish contact'with the pins 6 but with one of the pole pins 6 at a time. The counter-pin i is further conductively connected with an electromagnet 9. Each of the pole pins 6 connected to the feeler group I has allotted to it a counter-pin l0, likewise mounted on the slide 8 and each pin III is conductively connected tothe related one of the set of magnets 41 of a counting mechanism (one unit being shown in Fig. 3) in such a manner, that; beginning from the right-hand end, the first counter-pin ill is connected to the magnet of the units orer. the next counter pin it to the magnet of the tens order, and so on. The operation of the magnets of the counting mechanism in this form of the invention may be effected in the manner described in United States Patent No. 1,617,088.

The feeler groups 3 and 4 are guided up and down during their reciprocating movement by means of resilient curved guide pieces I i, i2 so thatthey are urged downwardly on each for ward stroke (toward the operator) onto the card i, but are lifted therefrom when swinging backward.

The particular means for accomplishing this is substantially the same as shown in my prior Patent No. 1,617,088, dated February 8, 1927. Some of the mechanism will be described for only one of the feeler'groups in view of the duplication of parts.

In the illustrated embodiment the movement of the feelers 3 transversely of the perforated card is effected by the bar or member 5' having a slot into which projects the crank-pin 4a of a suitable driving mechanism. Thus the slotted bar or member 5, guided by a suitable stationary guide 4b is moved up and down. A rock shaft 5a is journaled in the upwardly extending arm of the slotted member 5, and the ends of the feelers 3 are secured to the said shaft.

The shaft 5a is under the influence of a torsional spring 5b which has the tendency to continuously force the free ends of the feelers 3 against the card. The feelers 3 are preferably provided with contact-rollers 3b. A pair of stationary guide rails H and 12 are disposed above the plate 2. Considering only the group of feelers 3, the guide rail ll cooperates with the feelers 3 in such a manner, that they pass beneath the rail II in one direction of movement (from the right to the left in Fig. 2), while during the movement in the opposite direction the feelers 3 are lifted off the card. This is accomplished by providing a transverse rod 30 which is secured to all of the feelers 3 and which projects laterally into engagement with the rail H. The forward end of the rail l I is downturned, so that the bar 30 must raise the rail l l slightly to completely pass by it in its forward movement. When the feelers 3 are retracted, however, the bar 3c will ride on top of the rail H (see Fig. 2) thereby raising the feelers 3 to inoperative position until the bar reaches its extreme rearward position when it will drop below the rail II as shown in Fi 2.

Now, when the multiplier feeler group 3 is moved forwardly in contact with the card the" first feelerfrom the right of the group 3 contacts five times with the cormucting surface 2 through the five holes present in thecontrolling column of the card and corresponding to the units order of the number 2485. The magnet 3 is thereby excited five times and rotates clockwise a ratchet wheel l4 flve teeth through the intermediary of a lever and a pawl l3, as shown. The ratchet wheel l4 has mounted on it a switch mechanism I! in such a manner, that in the initial position of wheel l4 a leaf contact spring I 3 carried by wheel I4 and carrying one of the contact points of the switch I! is urged against the other contact point ISa which is also carried by wheel l4, by an abutment I! provided on another co-axial ratchet wheel 13, so that a circuit through switch I! is closed. The ratchet wheels l4 and I. are so mounted as to be capable of movement relatively to each other and are turned in the same direction that is, clockwise.

When the ratchet wheel I4 is rotated ($100kwise a step by the magnet 9, the contact points of switch l5 are moved away from the abutment i1 and separated by the resiliency of contact spring l6, and the circuit previously closed by them is broken, whereby the armatures of magnets 28 and 29 are shifted under the action of springs 30 and 3i. The couplings 32, 33 are controlled by the armatures of the magnets 28, 25, said armatures being under the influence oi springs 30, 3| respectively. As a result, the coupling 32 is disabled while the companion teetlz of coupling 33 are brought into engagement, whereby at the end of a feeling operation, the group of feelers 3 comes to rest, while the group 4 is then set into reciprocation.

The carrier of the feeler group 4 at each reciprocation closes contacts l9, whereby the magnet 20 is excited and the ratchet wheel I8 is rotated clockwise one tooth for each reciprocation through. the intermediary of a lever and a pawl 2 i, so that the two ratchet wheels l4 and l 8 occupy after five strokes (if the multiplier is five) relative positions which causes a closure of switch i5, as the abutment I! will finally engage the contact spring IE to contact with contact I So. When this takes place, the coupling 33 or the drive of the feeler group 4 is thrown out of operation, and the drive of the feeler group 3 or coupling 32 is thrown into operation again. At the same time a circuit is closed through the magnet 22 through mechanism described hereinafter, the armature of which magnet moves the slide 8 to the right one tooth space by means of a pawl 23. In its new position the slide 8 is held by a pawl 24 as pawl returns to its initial position. With respect to the feeler group 3, the second feeler from the right, that is, the feeler sensing the holes of the tens order, is now in connection with magnet 3 through the associated pole pin 6 and the counter-pin I. The counter-pins ID of the group 4 are likewise shifted one step toward the right to change the denominational relationship between the magnets of the counting mechanism and the feeler group 4.

When the number 3167 forming the multiplicand has been registered five times in the counting mechanism by the first five strokes of the feeler group 4, in such manner that the units of the number is entered, in the units order of the counting mechanism, the tens in the tens order and so on, in the shifted position of the pins in effected as just described, the units of the multiplicand will now be registered in the tens order of the counting mechanism, the tens in the hundreds order, and so on. The previously described operation is then repeated, the feeler group 3 is reciprocated and the tens feeler, now connected with the pin 1 makes contact eight times with the surface 2, and causes the rotation of the ratchet wheel I 4 through a corresponding numher-of teeth. Thereafter the feeler group 4 is again reciprocated and registers in the counting mechanism, by eight strokes, eight times the number 31670.

After all the orders of the multiplier have been sensed in the manner described, and the slide 8 has been shifted to the extreme right position a contact 25 is closed to cause a magnet 26 to be excited, whereupon the pawls 23 and 24 are lifted by said magnet and the slide 3 is then returned to initial position under the action of a related spring 21.

It is obvious that the slide 3 must also be shifted one step to the right every time that a zero occurs, in any order of the multiplier. This may be done by causing energization of the magnet 22 whenever a zero is encountered. Any suitable arrangement of contacts and circuits for accomplishing this result may be employed. A satisfactory arrangement is shown in the drawings and operates as follows:

If the feeler of group 3 which is in circuit connection with magnet 9 does not encounter a hole the absence of such therefore, in the column analyzed representing a zero, the switch l remains closed and a circuit is closed-through such switch by means of cam controlled contacts 34 after a single reciprocating movement of the feeler group 3, the magnet 22 being thereby excited. In this manner and under such circumstances the slide 8 is advanced one step to the right.

The card in the position shown in Fig. l is not in analyzing position but when the card i is shifted rearwardly a slight extent beyond that shown the card will be in proper analyzing position, opening the switch in and causing the deenergization of the magnet 46 allowing a spring to close the switch I. Said switch I is'retained closed during the multiplying operation. The switch i may be controlled by an additional feeler la which normally is in contact with the conducing surface 2, thereby closing a control circuit including a relay magnet 46 for the switch, so as to permit contacts i to open such contact being broken when the margin or other part of a card is shifted to the analyzing position so as to be interposed between such feeler and the surface 2; so that the switch I may be closed by the spring when magnet 46 is deenergized. Upon closing of the switch, current is fed to the motor M, and also to the magnets 28 and 29 across contacts 43, 43', by the conducting strip 4|, which is carried by a disk 42 of insulating material and closed switch IS. The coupling 32 then being established drives the multiplier feeler group 3 by a shaft 35. As soon as the shaft 35 begins to rotate, two contact springs 36 and 36' engage a conducting surface 31 upon an insulating disc secured to shaft 35 and hold the circuit to the magnets 28 and 29 in such manner that they attract their armatures for approximately a whole revolution and thus keep the coupling 32 closed and the coupling 33 open.

The feeler group 3 then effects a step-by-step advance of the ratchet wheel l4, as above described, so that the switch i5 is opened. As a result of the opening of switch l5, during the.

next revolution of the shaft 38 when contact springs 36, 36' engage the insulation between the ends of the conducting surface 31 the magnets 28 and 29 are deenergized and the feeler group 4 is then actuated by the shaft 39 since deenergization of magnet 29 will cause spring 3| to enable the coupling to couple shafts 38 and 39. As stated above, the contact I9 is closed once for every reciprocation of the group 4 until the switch I5 is again closed. The cam 40 closes contacts 34 once for every revolution of shaft 39, but the circuit through such contacts remains open until switch I5 is closed; and when this happens the magnet 22 is excited and the slide 8 is advanced to the right the distance of one step. When the feeler group 4 returns to its initial position and the switch i5 is closed, the contacts 48, 43' are closed across the conducting strip 4! and the magnets 28 and 29 are excited, so that the multiplier feeler group 8 is again set into reciprocation. If the active feeler of this group ii. e. the feeler connected to the pin 1) encounters no holes in the card, that is, if the digit of the multiplier in such denomination is 0, then the switch l5 remains closed, and upon momentary closing of the contacts 34 by the cam 44 the magnet 22 is energized and advances the slide 8 by one step.

In the form of the invention illustrated, provision is made for multipliers and multiplicands having a maximum of four denominations, there being also provided seven counter-pins III for the maximum of seven places in the result.

When the slide 8 is at extreme right position it closes the contact 25, so that the magnets 26 and 45 are energized. The magnet 45 opens the main switch I and thus brings the machine to rest, the calculation being now completed.

While there has been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a single modification, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention therefore to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A machine of the class described comprisingin combination, a clutch device for causing repeated operations of means adapted to sense a multiplicand factor on a record, a second clutch device for causing means to sense the same record for a multiplier factor to determine the number of repeated additions of the multiplicand, means under control of an element of the second mentioned clutch for maintaining the effectiveness of the latter for a complete multiplier sensing operation, and means including an element of the first named clutch for causing said second named clutch to be effective at the initiation of a multiplying operation.

2. A machine of the class described comprising in combination, a clutch device, means rendered operative when said clutch device is engaged for sensing multiplicand factor designations on a record and controlling series by repeated addition of the multiplicand factor sensed, a supplemental clutch device, means rendered operative when the supplemental clutch device is engaged for causing the sensing of multiplier factor designations, settable means under control of the last named means for determining the number of repeated additions of the multiplicand factor, means under control of an element of the second mentioned clutch for maintaining the effectiveness of the latter for a complete multiplier digit sensing operation, and means including saidsettable means and an element movable with the first named clutch for causing said second named clutch to be effective at the initiation of a multiplying operation.

3. In a multiplying machine, a multiplier clutch, analyzing means for analyzing multiplier data on a record controlled by and operable when said multiplier clutch is energized, a multiplicand clutch, analyzing means for analyzing multiplicand data on said record controlled by and operable when said multiplicand clutch is energized, electrical multip'ier digit set up means movable from a normal position to represent digits, means for restoring said multiplier digit set up means to a normal position upon completion of a multiplying operation for a single multiplier digit, means including electrical control -means under control of the multiplicand clutch and the multiplier digit set up means and effective when the latter is at the normal position for causing the energization of the multiplier clutch, and means for causing the multiplier clutch to be energized for a complete multiplier digit analyzing operation.

4. In a multiplying machine, in combination, a multiplier clutch, sensing means for sensing designations representing a multiplier digit controlled by said clutch and operated when said multiplier clutch is engaged, electrical multiplier digit set up means under control of the multiplier sensing means, sensing means for sensing designations representing a multiplicand, a multiplicand clutch controlling said multiplicand sensing means for rendering the multiplicand sensing means operative, a pair of magnets for controlling said clutches, means including said set up means for closing circuits for said magnets for efiecting the energization of both magnets for causing the multiplier clutch to be engaged and the multiplicand clutch to be disengaged at the initiation of a sensing operation for a multiplier digit, electrical means for causing the energization of both magnets for a complete multiplier digit sensing operation, and means controlled by said multiplier digit sensing means for setting up a digit on said electrical set up means to cause by said set up means the opening of said electrical circuits to efiect the deenergization of both magnets and thereby the disengagement of the multiplier clutch and the engagement of the multiplicand clutch, the latter then causing the multiplicand sensing means to be operative to sense the multiplicand to be multiplied in accordance with the digit of themultiplier.

5. In a multiplying machine, in combination, clutch elements of a multiplier clutch, multiplier digit set up contact means, means controlled by and rendered operative when said multiplier clutch elements are engaged for causing said multiplier digit set up contact means to be separated to set up a multiplier digit, a multiplicand clutch, multiplicand entry means controlled by and rendered operative when said multiplicand clutch is engaged, a magnet for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the multiplier clutch elements, means including said multiplier digit set up contact means and electrical contact means rotatable with one element of the multiplicand clutch for closing an electrical circuit for the multiplier clutch magnet, for causing the energization of the multiplier clutch magnet and the engagement of the multiplier clutch elements upon the initiation of the multiplier set up operation for the first multiplier digit, means controlled by and rendered operative by the multiplicand clutch for causing said contact means to be closed to close said electrical circuit for causing the energization of the multiplier clutch magnet upon the completion of the multiplicand entry operations efiected in accordance with each multiplier digit, a magnet for controlling the multiplicand clutch in said electrical circuit and by the closing of said circuit energized simultaneously with the multiplier clutch magnet and deenergized by the opening of said circuit by the separation of said contact means to cause the multiplicand clutch to be engaged after the multiplier digit is set up, and electrical means comprising other electrical contact means rotatable with one element of the multiplier clutch for causing the energization of the multiplier and multiplicand clutch magnets for a complete multiplier digit sensing operation.

6. In a multiplying machine, in combination, a multiplier clutch normally disengaged, means controlled by the multiplier clutch and rendered operative when the multiplier clutch is engaged for sensing multiplier digit representing designations, electrical multiplier digit set up means operated under control of the last-named means and moved from a normal position upon the sensing of a multiplier digit other than zero, a multiplicand clutch, means controlled by the multiplicand clutch and operated by the latter for sensing multiplicand representing designations for controlling multiplicand entries, magnets for controlling said clutches, electrical means including means controlled by a card carrying said multiplier digit representing designations and said multiplicand representing designations and said electrical multiplier digit set up means for changing the energization status of the multiplier clutch magnet to cause the multiplier clutch to be initially engaged, an electrical circuit including electrical contact means controlled by the multiplier clutch and rendered operative by the multiplier clutch for causing the latter to be engaged for a complete multiplier digit sensing operation, said electrical multiplier digit set up means being effective after a complete mult'plier digit sensing operation for controlling the above cited electrical means for changing the energization status of the multiplicand clutch magnet when a multiplier digit other than zero has been set up to cause the engagement of the multiplicand clutch.

7. The structure recited in claim 6 and including in combination, means including contact operating means, said contact operating means being controlled and operated by the multiplicand clutch for restoring the electrical multiplier digit set up means to normal upon the entry of a number of multiplicand entries corresponding to the entered multiplier digit, said electrical multiplier digit set up means upon being restored to normal conditioning the electrical means for effecting a change in the energization status of the magnet of the multiplier clutch whereby the latter may be engaged.

8. A machine of the class described, comprising in combination, means for analyzing multiplier data on a record which also has thereon multiplicand data, means for causing the operation of the multiplier analyzing means, means for analyzing the multiplicand data on said record, normally closed electrical contacts including a control circuit, means controlled by the multiplier analyzing means for causing a separation of said contacts, means to cause the operation of the multiplicand analyzing means to effect under control of said multiplicand analyzing means a number of multiplicand additions, devices to control the last named means, means rendered effective by the opening of said contacts to cause said devices to be effective, means rendered operative by the operating means for the multiplicand analyzing means for causing said contacts to be closed when the last multiplicand addition is effected, a column shift means, electrical means to cause said column shift means to be shifted denominationally, and a circuit including circuit closing means rendered operative by the means for operating the multiplicand analyzing means and cooperating with said electrical contacts when the latter are closed for closing the control circuit for said electrical means, whereby the latter causes the operation of said column shift means and operating devices therefor, multiplicand designation sensing means, means for causing the operation of said devices for causing the operation of the multiplier designation sensing means to cause the latter to sense the designation of a multiplier digit on a record,

electrical contacts, means controlled by and rendered operative by the multiplier sensing means for causing the'separation of said contacts from closed position when a designation of a digit other than zero is sensed, a column shift means and operating means therefor, control means for said operating means including said electrical contacts, and means including contact making means controlled by'said operating devices and cooperating with said electrical contacts to cause the operation of the column shift operating means when a zero occurs as a multiplier digit, means controlled by said contacts for causing the operation of the multiplicand designation sensing means, said means being conditioned for operation by said contacts when a designation of a multiplier digit other than aero is sensed, contact closing means operated by the last-named means upon each multiplicand designation sensing operation, means controlled by the means for causing the operation of said multiplicand designation sensing means for causing the contacts to be closed when the number of multiplicand addition entries have been made in accordance with the entered multiplier digit, said contacts when closed operating in conjunction with the-contact closing means to cause the operation of the columnshift control means.

10. A machine of the class described comprising in combination, means for analyzing multiplier data on a record and operating means arated to control the number of multiplicand additions for one multiplier digit, and means rendered operative by the means for operating the multiplicand analyzing means for causing the other electrical contacts to be closed at the completion of the last multiplicand'adding operation for one multiplier digit, a control means for said electrical means including the first named electrical contacts, the other electrical contacts being operable in conjunction with the first-named electrical contacts to cause the operation of the last named control means to cause said electrical means to shift said member preparatory for multiplyin operations under control of the next multiplier digit.

11. A record controlled multiplying machine comprising, separate means for analyzing multiplier and multiplicand data on a record, multiplying means comprising multiplier digit set up means controlled by the multiplier analyzing means for controlling the number of multiplicand entries to be effected under control of said multiplicand analyzing means, denominational column shift means, means for operating the denominational column shift means, said last named means being controlled by the multiplier digit set up means and effective to shift said denominational column shift means upon completion of a predetermined number of multiplicand entries corresponding to an entered multiplier digit, a drive shaft, means operatively connected to said drive shaft for causing said separate analyzing means to be operative, means controlled by .the record and rendered effective by the introduction of the record to said analyzing means for setting said drive shaft into operation, means shiftable to a predetermined posimeans to be shifted to said predetermined position when the multiplicand entries for all of the multiplier digits are completed, and means controlled by the shiftable means for disabling the means that sets the drive shaft into operation when the multiplying operation for the record is completed. a

12. A record controlled multiplying machine comprising, separate means for analyzing multiplier and multiplicand data on a record, multipiying means comprising multiplier digit set up means controlled by the multiplier analyzing means for controlling the number of multiplicand entries to be effected under control of said multiplicand analyzing means, denominational column shift means, means for operating the denominational shift means, said means being controlled by the multiplier digit set up means and effective upon completion of the predetermined number of multiplicand entries for each multiplier digit, a drive shaft, means operatively connected to said drive shaft for causing said separate analyzing means to be operative, a switch for controlling the operation of the drive shaft, electrical means for controlling the operation of said switch, a sensing 'entries for all multiplier digits are completed,

and means rendered operative by the movement of said member to said predetermined position for opening said switch.

GUSTAV TAUSCHEK. 

